Advocates say $45 million in federal budget will boost HIV prevention

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations has said the federal government’s allocation of $45 million in Tuesday’s budget to prevent, diagnose and treat sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses will greatly aid efforts to fight HIV.

The Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) said the funding over four years will foster nationally consistent HIV prevention work, bolster health promotion among communities at risk of HIV, and promote treatment and measures to improve quality of life for people with HIV.

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AFAO CEO Darryl O’Donnell said the funding will mean additional investment in the HIV workforce, particularly within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“This package is the greatest boost to resources we have seen in two decades and allows us to accelerate the end of HIV transmission,” O’Donnell said in a statement.

“It will also ease the financial impact of the epidemic through early investment for long term gain.

“This investment puts resources where they are needed.

“It will upgrade the skills of the HIV workforce, foster nationally consistent policy and seriously bolster community education.”